MinuteClinic New Years Wellness Campaign: Smoking Cessation Program

I think I started smoking when I was about 15 years old. It wasn't serious. It was one of those things you did to be cool around your friends. I didn't start seriously smoking until I was in my 20's. I loved it.  I was never a one or more pack a day smoker though. I smoked, at most, a half pack a day. Those were the days when smoking was accepted and we really did not know the dangers of smoking. I knew it was bad but never paid attention. 

When I met Tom, he did not smoke. He never asked me to stop but at that point in my life, I decided it was affecting my health. I was always getting bronchitis and coughing up a storm. One day, I decided to go cold turkey. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It took a lot of willpower. I did though and I have been smoke free for over 20 years. 

I know many who were not so lucky. Many of my friends still cannot break the habit. Did you know it takes about 7 attempts to quit smoking. Sometimes even more. Smoking is addictive. I know I was addicted and it took me years to finally lose the need to smoke. I would be in the car and be craving a cigarette. I would have a cup of coffee and want a cigarette. But, luckily, I was able to say no. 

This is why I was glad to see that CVS removed tobacco products from its shelves. It also started a smoking cessation campaign to help people become tobacco free. Studies show that smokers who get help by a health care provider often have a better chance of becoming smoke free. MinuteClinic has a program to help people, over 18, to stop smoking. 

This is fantastic because 1 in 5 Americans still die as a result of a smoking related illness. And it is hard to quit. Every day I didn't smoke was tough. You have to understand that you are addicted to smoking and then move on. SOme people need that motivation and coaching to get through the process and MinuteClinic is there to help. 

The MinuteClinic Smoking Cessation program is safe and effective. You can get customized treatment. It also includes Nicotine Replacement Therapy. The MinuteClinic program offers one0on-one education and coaching with a nurse practitioner. The program costs $69 for your initial assessment and visit and $59 for subsequent follow up visits and coaching sessions. Check with your insurance provider because they might cover this program. 

I remember when I quit smoking I gained weight. I started eating to satisfy the need for a cigarette. I wish I had help back then to not gain weight. Luckily, MinuteClinic also offers a Weight Loss Program. MinuteClinic has partnered with DASH, the #1 ranked overall diet by U.S. News & World Report 4 years running. With this program, people who quit can also get help to not gain weight. I am actually looking into this program for this coming year. New Years is the perfect time to focus on a new, improved me.

It is amazing that MinuteClinic offers these programs and so much more. It even offers a MinuteClinic Eyelash Lengthening Consultation. That is great for people who want to improve their looks. I know I would love longer lashes.

That is why I love MinuteClinic. It offers a lot of valuable programs that try to make you feel better about yourself. This New Year, you might want to check out the programs offered at MinuteClinic. They might change your life.